As an organization grows, it finds that the webspace and resources such as data transfer and bandwidth allocated by the hosting service provider are not adequate to meet the increased flow of traffic. Under such circumstances the next logical step is to go in for a dedicated server web hosting.
What is a dedicated server web hosting?
The hosting service provider will provide an entire server for exclusive use by only one client. The client has full control over the server, can choose the operating system and have full administration rights. Since such servers owned by the providers are housed in climate controlled data centers with backups and support staff, service is much more reliable.
Linux, Unix and Windows Server are some of the most popular operating systems running on these servers. It is essential to have high speed servers with sufficient hard disk space and RAM as well as supporting hardware for the server to work efficiently to handle high traffic volumes. The server comes with a dedicated connection to the internet through T1/T3 lines and a service provider is bound to allocate a solid high speed connection through a reliable backbone to ensure high speed services. Providers also fix the bandwidth along with the package. The bandwidth is controlled by providers and can be increased as requirements increase. The network uptime (should be 99.5%to 100%) provided by the service provider is also important when considering dedicated servers.
Each dedicated server will also have its own unique IP address with options to have more than one IP address to take care of requirements that arise, as in the case of running more than one ecommerce store. Providers will also take care of data backup and restore facilities as a part of the service.
While the customer has full administrative rights, he will also need technical support and providers usually make this available 24×7 to ensure smooth running. Firewalls, security, updates and all related matters should be provided along with the package to ensure total security for the client. This service support and all other factors stated above should be considered and finalized prior to entering into a contract.
Dedicated server hosting providers offer fully managed, managed, self managed and unmanaged services and this is for you to select and decide with the provider before finalizing any arrangements. A self-managed service with technical backup is a desirable option.
Benefits:
For those with a large client base and a high traffic a dedicated server is indispensable since it alone has facilities which permit high data bandwidth and volumes without clogging up. A prospective client leaves a site if it takes too long to load.
Dedicated server hosting are reliable and stable and can handle any amount of traffic. Since it is fully managed with full support, there are very few technical hitches that can cause failures. You can install software and applications you want. Fast, realtime exchange of data is possible and interactions with customers can be fast and prompt.
Reliability of data servers is the key factor. With a dedicated server you can update your data any number of times and do it quickly too. An online store can easily visualize the benefits. Your website is always up and running, accessible at all times to any number of visitors, emails and messages never get blocked due to inadequate space. The result is higher business volumes translating into more profits.
Costs
A typical server setup provides Intel Dual Xeon E5620 2.4 GHz based server with 500 GB hard drive, 16GB RAM, upto 15000 GB bandwidths with free setup, 24×7 support and Linux or Windows server OS and 100% network uptime, 5 to 13 IPs with control panels and all hosting features required. Price would start at $ 100 upwards.
Conclusion
For a serious web based business a dedicated server is the only reliable solution to manage a globally spread business and satisfy its customers online.
